Anyone know anything about original VW Beetles?
Discussion
Before taking the plunge, I'd get her a drive in one first. It will be a shock to the system compared to any modern car that she probably learned to drive in, as these usually have PAS, brakes that slow the car down, heating that works, and all the other mod cons we now take for granted. I suspect that in comparison an old Beetle will feel very agricultural (and slow).
Also, from a safety aspect, there will be no airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, side impact bars, ABS, traction control, etc. In fact, they're almost as dangerous as a TVR!
Also, from a safety aspect, there will be no airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, side impact bars, ABS, traction control, etc. In fact, they're almost as dangerous as a TVR!
Hi Paul,
She did spend a few months learning to drive in my Mum's Mk1 Micra, so the Beetle would be utter luxury
I do take your point though, and at the moment it's only a fledgling of an idea. But hey, didn't all us 'older' folk learn to drive in cars just as this - and we made it through, kind of, just.
She did spend a few months learning to drive in my Mum's Mk1 Micra, so the Beetle would be utter luxury
I do take your point though, and at the moment it's only a fledgling of an idea. But hey, didn't all us 'older' folk learn to drive in cars just as this - and we made it through, kind of, just.
.Mark said:
But hey, didn't all us 'older' folk learn to drive in cars just as this - and we made it through, kind of, just.
Yes Mark, we did (Vauxhall Viva in my case), but usually only until the moment that we could afford something better!On a similar note, we hired an old VW camper (1974 Bay window) for a weekend last year. I know these things are iconic vehicles with a cult following, but by any quantifiable measure it was by far the worst thing I've ever driven.
The steering was heavy & vague, the brakes did virtually nothing (I'm sure we slowed down more just through aerodynamic drag), selecting any gear was a lottery, the noise from the engine was horrendous (and it had had a recent new engine), and the heating didn't work.
It was a bit of fun for a weekend, but I wouldn't want to repeat the experience. I'm not sure a Beetle would be significantly better.
However, if you do decide to go for it, there are a couple of VW nuts near me (one diagonally opposite, the other in Highfield Ave).
I've always got my wife & kids Japanese cars, simply because they're always ultra reliable & easy to drive (even the old ones), so I know they're not going to get stranded by the roadside.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
Absolutely love my Beetle and its a giggle to drive. but you really don't get many miles to the gallon,the brakes are rubbish and it only has one mod-con, air-conditioning (its called a window that doesn't shut properly)
No matter about the faults - its great to drive - but definitely an experience, not easy but lots of fun
Make sure you look all underneath any carpets and definitely poke around underneath - the rust can be bad. I had a '72 Camper before and i'm sure the rust patches were holding the holes in the floor together
Parts can be easy to replace though, so don't give up - it can be a whole lot of joy having a beetle
No matter about the faults - its great to drive - but definitely an experience, not easy but lots of fun
Make sure you look all underneath any carpets and definitely poke around underneath - the rust can be bad. I had a '72 Camper before and i'm sure the rust patches were holding the holes in the floor together
Parts can be easy to replace though, so don't give up - it can be a whole lot of joy having a beetle
NWVT said:
mark give me a pm chap i do work down at a place in waltham chase that specilises in beetles and have one my self
You beat me too it and have one my self In answer to the cynics who believe driving a beetle means instant death, I've driven one across the Sahara desert....amazing off-roaders even in standard form and then i drove a Baja style one from here to Singapore. Mark (the chap Nick refers to in Waltham chase) prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
Edited by K17LER on Wednesday 27th April 11:45
K17LER said:
You beat me too it
In answer to the cynics who believe driving a beetle means instant death, I've driven one across the Sahara desert....amazing off-roaders even in standard form and then i drove a Baja style one from here to Singapore. Mark (the chap Nick refers to in Waltham chase) prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
One mean Bug - love it In answer to the cynics who believe driving a beetle means instant death, I've driven one across the Sahara desert....amazing off-roaders even in standard form and then i drove a Baja style one from here to Singapore. Mark (the chap Nick refers to in Waltham chase) prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
K17LER said:
You beat me too it
In answer to the cynics who believe driving a beetle means instant death, I've driven one across the Sahara desert....amazing off-roaders even in standard form and then i drove a Baja style one from here to Singapore. Mark (the chap Nick refers to in Waltham chase) prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
Wish my Beetle was like Pedro In answer to the cynics who believe driving a beetle means instant death, I've driven one across the Sahara desert....amazing off-roaders even in standard form and then i drove a Baja style one from here to Singapore. Mark (the chap Nick refers to in Waltham chase) prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
Edited by K17LER on Wednesday 27th April 11:45
K17LER said:
Mark prepped it for me including adding an internal roll cage, nudge bars etc.....I know who would come off worse if "Pedro" was in a collision with a paper thin Japanese car
I agree, a properly welded roll caged bug would be far stronger than most modern cars, but, the second you mention it to your insurance company, your quite appears to be in Lire! Gassing Station | South Coast | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff